20 May 2024,   00:18
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Relocation of Russian occupation line - Sergey Lavrov`s first comment

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the first comment after the recent relocaton of the Russian occupation line. Sergey Lavrov responded to the question of Rustavi 2 journalist at a special press conference after meeting with the Belgian Foreign Minister in Brussels.

"To resolve issues that arise between Georgia and South Ossetia and between Georgia and Abkhazia, there is a mechanism - Geneva discussions. The main theme of these discussions is to strengthen security in the Caucasus. Specific proposals have been considered for a long time which would strengthen the obligation on non-use of force. Unfortunately, the Georgian delegation hinders their adoption because they want to impose full responsibility for the ongoing events on Russia . It will not work, "- Lavrov said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also remembered Tagliavini`s conclusion.

"The report prepared by Heidi Tagliavini says who started the conflict in August 2008. Therefore, Mr. Saakashvili can confirm all the decisions which he took and which are recorded by the rapporteur. There is a mechanism for prevention and response to review the existing issues. There are meetings with the participation of the EU, OSCE and UN. That"s why we need to work there. They should work constructively and do not try to talk about the ongoing processesfromthe anle of the occupation. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are recognized as independent states by Russia and they participate in this Geneva Discussion as such, "- Sergey Lavrov said.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reindeer also commented.

"The position of the EU and Belgium is known about what is happening there. We are trying to expand our capabilities and conduct real dialogue with special tools, including within the OSCE. Yesterday we had a meeting. We have tried to understand what can be done by engaging in new faces.. The same applies to the Geneva process. So we"ll look at the situation. We have the potential to strengthen the dialogue. Of course, all parties should agree, before we start something else, " - said Reindeer.

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